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 Post subject: Power Washer
PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 7:52 am 
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Goldfish

Joined: Tue May 29, 2012 12:47 pm
Posts: 38
Hello All,

I just picked up a power washer last week to clean various things including the boat.

My question is, are there any negative effects of using a power washer on the fiberglass hull?

I understand it may power away wax but could it damage my gel coat?

Thank you in advance,

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1993 Sundowner 215
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South Hadley, MA
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 Post subject: Re: Power Washer
PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 7:48 pm 
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230 Mike
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Joined: Mon May 15, 2006 7:59 pm
Posts: 5141
Location: Kansas City, Table Rock Lake
It certainly could if you aren't careful regarding tip selection. Be guided by the fact that gel coat thickness only averages about 1/16". Use the right tip and be careful with distance and you should be good.

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2005 Four Winns 230/240
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1998 F-150 XLT
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 Post subject: Re: Power Washer
PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 7:51 pm 
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Joined: Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:12 am
Posts: 632
Location: Ontario
Also be careful near vinyl letters or stripes. You will make a mess of those as well if you are not cautious.

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 Post subject: Re: Power Washer
PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 9:30 pm 
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Joined: Sun May 20, 2012 4:31 pm
Posts: 873
Location: Minneapolis, MN
The cautions are all valid, but I will say that I have used my 2700 psi power washer to clean the non-skid on the swim platform and forward deck of my 268. A little deck cleaner and a brush helps, but the power washer will make a big difference by itself.

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon


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 Post subject: Re: Power Washer
PostPosted: Wed May 06, 2015 11:27 pm 
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230 Mike
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Joined: Mon May 15, 2006 7:59 pm
Posts: 5141
Location: Kansas City, Table Rock Lake
I've come "this close" to buying one myself. Seems like it would be a great thing to have. I only based my thought on having seen a couple of cases where house siding and even concrete was damaged simply because people didn't think about what they were doing.

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2005 Four Winns 230/240
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1998 F-150 XLT
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 Post subject: Re: Power Washer
PostPosted: Sat May 16, 2015 7:50 am 
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Joined: Sun May 20, 2012 4:31 pm
Posts: 873
Location: Minneapolis, MN
The "psi" rating is what the pump puts out. The type of tip can make a big difference in how aggressive it is. A normal 15 or 30 degree tip should be fine. Remember, the farther the tip is away from the surface the less aggressive it is. A 2500 psi unit has enough force to cut or tear skin immediately in front of the spray tip, but should not damage skin at 18 inches from the tip. Whether you have a 1200 psi electric unit or a gas powered unit at well over 3000 psi, the principals are the same. Start conservatively and adjust your technique for the situation. As you might guess, yes I feel that having a power washer is worthwhile.

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Surface Interval: A scuba diving term for that time between dives to relax and prepare for life's next great adventure.

Current boat: '02 FW 268 Vista
Previous boat: '95 FW 190 Horizon


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 Post subject: Re: Power Washer
PostPosted: Thu May 21, 2015 11:54 am 
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Shark
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Joined: Thu Jun 26, 2014 10:41 am
Posts: 112
Location: Mukwonago, WI
I have a power washer, but have not used it at all on my boat. I use the hose then scrub real good with one of those telescoping wash pad set ups. I don't see why it would hurt anything as long as you use the the less aggressive tips. There are quite a few options, I do have a hand adjustable tip for mine that is pretty slick. You might want to look into one of those if you get a pressure washer. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Power-Care-Variable-Soap-Blaster-Nozzle-AP31048/204467843?N=5yc1vZbxc1Z1z10uuk

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 Post subject: Re: Power Washer
PostPosted: Sun May 31, 2015 6:48 pm 
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Joined: Mon May 16, 2011 7:14 pm
Posts: 645
Location: Lower Trent Ontario, Canada
Trust me, if you picked up a Simonize pressure washer, go nuts. These things couldn't blow the skin off chocolate pudding.

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 Post subject: Re: Power Washer
PostPosted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 10:51 am 
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Shark
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Joined: Thu Jun 26, 2014 10:41 am
Posts: 112
Location: Mukwonago, WI
LOL, I don't like electric power washers at all.

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 Post subject: Re: Power Washer
PostPosted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 3:34 pm 
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Joined: Sun Nov 21, 2010 8:03 am
Posts: 2238
Location: Winthrop, Ma.
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